Students from 30 southside Hampton Roads public and private high schools are collecting food to help feed the hungry this fall.

The 2009 Student Food Drive kicked off Tuesday, September 29 at the Foodbank of  Southeastern Virginia on Tidewater Drive.  Fox 43 is a proud sponsor and the Foodbank asked me to speak to the students at the kickoff rally.

I encouraged them to reach out to their peers and the community to donate non-perishable items and help the less fortunate.

The rally was the spotlight for the students’ talent.  They performed skits about hunger and solving the problem.

Representatives from Granby, Kellam, Booker T. Washington, Atlantic Shores Christian and Tallwood were among those who performed at the kickoff event.   The food will be collected at the participating schools and also through drives the students set up at local businesses.  The 10 most wanted items are peanut butter, chunky soups, canned meats, canned tuna, canned vegetables, juice, cereal, macaroni and cheese, pasta and pasta sauces.

The Foodbank hopes to reach or exceed the goal of 100,000 pounds of food this year. Last year, the students brought in 70,000 with another 30,000 pound donation from Tyson Foods.   The school that collects the most pounds per capita wins the competition.

The competition ends with an awards celebration on Wednesday, November 11 at the Foodbank. Good luck to all of the students who are participating and here’s my challenge to you to do your part and help those in need.  Every bit counts!

There’s a group of talented young men in Norfolk that’s learning a lot about personal growth and cultural awareness- all while enhancing their beautiful voices.  I’m talking about the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads.  I’ve served as a board member for a couple of years now.    It started as the Park Place Boys Choir and targeted young boys in that neighborhood.

The choir is preparing for its 12th anniversary concert on April 19, with special guests, the Richmond Boys Choir.  The show will be at 5 p.m., at Booker T. Washington High School’s auditorium in Norfolk.

Tickets range from $2- $10, with discounts for seniors and students with identification. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Membership in the choir is open to boys ages 8 to 17.  Auditions are held 5-7pm every Thursday at Covenant Presbyterian Church.  Boys who like to sing are encouraged to come out and audition.

For more information contact

Alonza Lawrence
Phone: 757 – 545-6294

Mailing address:
BCHR
PO Box 41429
Norfolk, VA 23541

or click here:

http://www.boyschoirofhr.org/

Chesapeake native, Indian River grad, NBA star, and my old friend,
Alonzo Mourning ,announced his retirement today.

He’s had quite an impressive 16 year career as a professional basketball player, but for those of us who know him- he’s more than just a basketball player.  I met Zo years ago at a RUN D.M.C. concert at the Norfolk Scope.   I was with some buddies and he was with some buddies and we all quickly became friends.   Zo has always been approachable and willing to help the less fortunate.  He didn’t have a rich upbringing when it comes to money and material things, but he will tell you his immediate and extended family provided him with an experience that positively shaped his life,  and made him the strong person that he is today.

Although Zo and his wife Tracey and kids live in Miami- he still visits Hampton Roads often and knows where his roots are.  Up until a few years ago, he held a charity softball tournament to benefit the free clinic in Chesapeake.    I was honored to be asked to attempt to play on the media team two years in a row.

He now holds a golf tournament in Hampton Roads to benefit the clinic.

His “Zo’s Summer Groove” event in Miami has grown leaps and bounds over the years and there are several other things he does to help people that he doesn’t seek the media’s attention for.

Zo has suffered from kidney disease, received a transplant, played again after that, then suffered a knee injury.

Now, retired at the age of 38,  he will have more time to spend with his wife, children, extended family and friends- and continue to make a difference and make Hampton Roads proud.   Good Luck, Zo!